A tragic plane crash occurred in Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 297 people. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Among the passengers, 241 lost their lives, leaving only one survivor. The victims included 229 passengers and 12 crew members. Additionally, 56 people in a medical college hostel near the crash site also perished. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site to assess the situation and met with the injured in the hospital. The search for answers has intensified after the flight data recorder, often called the ‘black box,’ was discovered among the wreckage. The government has set up a high-level committee to investigate the incident.
The plane was on its way to London when it crashed in the Meghani Nagar area. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and the 12 crew members. The flight reportedly collided with a building in the area, causing a massive fire. Emergency rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) involved.
There are concerns that former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board, although this has not been confirmed. Initial investigations suggest a technical failure in the plane’s engine and a possible collision with an object at the rear of the aircraft. Prime Minister Modi has communicated with key ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, regarding the incident.
This crash has raised serious questions about aviation safety in India. Experts note that the majority of aviation accidents occur during takeoff and landing. According to aviation safety statistics, there have been 109 plane accidents worldwide in 2023 alone, with 37 occurring during takeoff.
India has a long history of aviation disasters, often caused by technical failures, human error, or adverse weather conditions. Since 1972, there have been ten major incidents in the country. For example, in 1972, a Japan Airlines flight crashed near Delhi, killing 82 people due to a false glide path signal. In another incident in 1976, an Indian Airlines flight’s engine failed, leading to the deaths of all 95 passengers and crew aboard.
As authorities continue to investigate the Ahmedabad crash, the focus remains on improving safety measures in the aviation industry. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in air travel and the need for stringent safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
The families of the victims are mourning their losses, and the nation is in shock. The government has pledged support for the affected families, and further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
Leave a Reply